For more than 115 years, Ferrara has created sugar confections that enable moments of sweetness, celebration, and connection for candy lovers of all generations. Today, the company is the #1 sugar confectioner in the United States. Ferrara boasts a passionate team of nearly 9,000 employees creating and delivering hundreds of products sold under 20 popular brands like Brach’s®, NERDS®, SweeTARTS®, Laffy Taffy®, and Trolli® to more than 66 million U.S. households annually and popular Dori snacking products under brands such as Dori, Gomets, Pettiz, and Yogurte 100 in Brazil. Additionally, Jelly Belly, known world-wide for its confections, was acquired in November of 2023.

Controls Engineer

Job Location: ​[[Forest Park]​

Job Location: ​[[Forest Park, Il]]​

Want to make an impact?

***THIS POSITION IS AT OUR FOREST PARK PLANT, 2ND SHIFT: MON-FRI 4:00PM-2:00AM WITH AN OCCASIONAL WEEKEND CALL IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY!!!***

Ways you will make a difference

  • Designs, develops and supervises all aspects of electrical control systems, equipment and machinery.
  • Manages the installation and support of PLC based hardware and software.
  • Plans and manages new or modifies existing installations to minimize waste of materials, improve quality and reduce downtime.
  • Identifies and resolves malfunctioning of equipment or systems provides technical support and guidance to maintenance and production team members.
  • Programming Logic Controllers (PLCs) (e.g. Allen-Bradley, Siemens). Dealing with RSLogix 5000, RSLogix 500, FactoryTalk Studio, and Rslinx on regular basis. Hands on PLC controls system knowledge, PLC programming, instrument programming and integration.
  • Configuring and designing HMI/OIT systems (e.g. Allen Bradley, Siemens, Wonderware, etc.). Program HMI and PLC ladder logic and integrate discrete/analog devices.
  • Familiar with Industry Standards UL and CE
  • Familiar with Vision Systems (e.g. Eagle Vision, Keyence)
  • Familiar with various Motion Controllers/Actuators (e.g. Yasakawa, ABB, Kinetix)
  • Familiarity with RS232 and RS485 protocol, Profibus DP/PA protocols, Variable Frequency Drive systems, Motor Control Centers, Analog and Digital signals, Low to Medium power distribution systems.
  • Read and understand electrical schematics, ladder logic programs, process flow diagram and process and instrumentation diagrams.
  • Experience and skill in troubleshooting control system issues. Provide hands-on on-site support to trouble shoot existing installations, PLCs, HMIs, Instruments and VFD issues

Skills that will make you successful

  • MS Office 2010 (Excel, Word, Outlook) and general computer literacy
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Must be a self-starter, team player, work well with others and have a positive attitude
  • Must be a creative thinker, results oriented, focused, and attentive to detail and accuracy
  • Must have ability to prioritize, multi-task and meet deadlines
  • Sharp, quick, dedicated and innovative problem solver
  • Core values and continuous self-improvement
  • Must be organized, detail oriented, and able to think designs through completely
     

Experiences that will support your success

Education and Experience

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering, Engineering or Business
  • 3 to 5 years of process industry related experience with automation control, PLC Ladder Logic programming, HMI design and configure.

Working Conditions

This position requires knowledge and awareness of manufacturing and industrial sites. Protective gear will be required where appropriate. Position requires ability to work varying start times and weekends dependent on business needs.

Ferrara’s success in industry-leading innovation has been driven by deep consumer insights, strong retailer co-creation and partnerships, and a dedication to diversity of thought, experience, and people. A privately held company, Ferrara has its global headquarters in Chicago and an operational network of more than 27 locations in North America, Brazil, and China that includes manufacturing, distribution, sales, and R&D facilities. Ferrara is a privately held Ferrero related company. Learn more at www.ferrara.com or www.linkedin.com/company/ferrara-.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, employment decisions and opportunities at Ferrara will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital or civil union status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, military or veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic information, pregnancy (childbirth or related medical condition), or on any other basis prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.